Furniture Brands International (NYSE:FBN) announced today that Bob L. Martin, retired President and Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart International, has been nominated to serve on the Furniture Brands International Board of Directors. His nomination is submitted to the Furniture Brands stockholders in the company's recently filed proxy statement.

Mr. Martin, age 54, began his career at Wal-Mart as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer in 1983. He was named Executive Vice President in 1989, and continued to serve in that capacity and as Chief Information Officer until 1993. Among his achievements were the development and management of Wal-Mart's logistics and supply chain management systems, merchandising systems for inventory management, and a proprietary electronic linkage system with suppliers. In 1993 Mr. Martin was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Wal-Mart International. During his 7-year tenure in that position, he led the division from inception to $32 billion in annual revenues. Mr. Martin retired in 1999 and currently serves as a business consultant and as a director of several public and charitable organizations.

W.G. (Mickey) Holliman
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
"Bob Martin has proven himself an outstanding business leader, and we are delighted that he has agreed to join our Board of Directors. His skills and our needs are a perfect match. I look forward to working with Bob, and I am confident his contributions to our company will be exceptional."